Since this post arrives weekly on Mondays, I decided to change the name from 40 Days in the shade of God’s Care to 40 weeks in the shade of God’s care. My prayer is that we will somehow learn to dwell here—in the refuge of His care.
The Secret Ingredient to a Full Life
My husband and I approached the onramp to a Seattle freeway when suddenly a loud clunking noise emerged near the passenger front tire. Deeply gratitude that the front axle broke prior to our entrance onto the freeway, warred against a suffocating discouragement as we faced the financial realities for this repair and the further expense of a rental car to transport us to our destination in the Pacific Northwest to serve that weekend at a church. Worry wore my faith thin—God we can’t afford this right now! You know we’re planting a church. Why in the world is this happening right now!
As I sat on the front seat rehearsing the domino effect of the mounting expenses, I heard the words of James 1, “When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
I can’t remember a time I ever viewed a trial as an opportunity for any type of joy, let alone the catalyst for great joy. Could it be I was missing a critical perspective for navigating the full life?
Over the next three weeks we will unpack three reasons trials are the best ingredient for a joy-filled life.
Join me as we discover:
how your setback could be a Divine Set-up
what trials and gym scales have in common
how painful circumstances sculpt the most beautiful soul
In preparation for next week’s post, take time to read 1 Samuel 17:12-37
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